Description

FXpansion DCAM: Synth Squad RTAS, VST, AU

Introducing an evolutionary leap in software synthesis technology.

DCAM: Synth Squad finally delivers the satisfaction of playing realanalogue instruments in software! Advanced modelling technologycarefully reconstructs the soul of dusty vintage circuits within yourcomputer, for the unmatched vibe of hardware at a fraction of the cost.

Atthe heart of DCAM: Synth Squad are 3 modelled synthesizers – Strobe,Amber and Cypher – bulging with the immense weight and power ofold-school analogue. These are no mere emulations stunted by thelimitations of the past. Instead, they combine the best features fromlegendary machines with new and exciting ideas to drag them kicking andscreaming into the modern world.

Oscillators ooze immense sound pressure, amp stages can be overloadedfor extra grit, and real-world chaos can be dialled into the circuitfor delicious instability. These synths don’t break with extremesettings, so you can abuse them just like the real thing. Meanwhile,the intuitive TransMod modulation system brings your sounds to life innew and expressive ways.

Fusor, a versatile sound-design environment that can layer and keysplit3 instances of the DCAM synths, is also included. It provides a varietyof ways to add new dimensions to your sounds with high-quality FX,extra modulation and an advanced step-sequencer/arpeggiator.

DCAM: Discrete Component Analogue ModellingThephilosophy behind DCAM is to model a circuit based on each individualcomponent of the circuit and its structural context, rather than simplytreating a circuit as a ‘black box’ and analyzing its overall output.The result is a genuinely realistic model of the circuit – itsnon-linearities, structure and behaviour are preserved intact.

What this means to you is a set of modelled synthesizers withunprecedented vibrancy and realism. You can abuse parameters just likeon a hardware analogue synth, and the model responds realistically.Oscs sync convincingly, amp stages can be overloaded, performing FM onan osc yields rich veins of otherworldly texture, not an ugly digitalmess. You don’t have to avoid certain settings any more because theysound bad!

Do not expect perfect, symmetrical waveforms with DCAM: Synth Squad…imperfect waveforms are the very essence of a real analogue VCO! Drivestages exist at several points in the signal path for organic grit andincreased tonal variation. Meanwhile, complex non-linear filtersmassage the raw slabs of sound pressure from the oscillators into aninfinite variety of timbres. The results are musically satisfyingsounds that inspire you to be creative!

The aim of DCAM: Synth Squad is to provide software synthezisers with real substance…sound sources that sound right, so you aren’t forced to bury them in endless plugin chains to make them interesting.

The ‘Analogue’ controlEach synth has an ‘Analogue’ control, which dials in a variable amount of real-world instability into the circuit. The effects of noise and mains hum are simulated, leading to an edgier sound at lower amounts, to wilder instability at higher settings.

Oversampling optionsAll the DCAM: Synth Squad plugins feature individual oversamplingsettings, both for realtime (normal use) and offline (non-realtimemixdowns and ‘freeze’) operation. The default setting for realtime useis 1x, allowing the highest polyphony on as many systems as possible.For higher-spec CPUs, try 2x oversampling for an even more realisticsound. Users with any CPU can use as high a value as required foroffline oversampling, resulting in exceptional sound quality.

TransMod and FuseMod modulation systemsDCAM:Synth Squad introduces the TransMod system, offering a more intuitiveway of programming complex modulation than a traditional ‘mod matrix’.A spectacular range of modulation is possible – the mod source menusinclude active voice/unison-voice counts and versatile randomizedvalues in addition to more conventional sources like LFOs andenvelopes. You can even harness beating rates between oscillators asLFOs in Cypher, or load entire presets as parameter modulation amountsfor patch-morphing effects.

Fusor extends the TransMod concept with the FuseMod system, making DCAMsynth modulators available to Fusor’s internal FX and LFOs, as well asto the Animator step-sequencer/arpeggiator. Use synth envelopes andLFOs to clock step-sequencers and modulate reverbs and granularfreezers, and play self-oscillating filters with keyboard sources.

In addition, the TransMod source menus for Fusor-hosted synths areexpanded with modulation sources from other synths and devices inFusor… so you can create a super-performance synth with 3inter-modulating Strobe instances, or complex hybrid textures andsoundscapes with Strobe, Cypher and Amber. The creative possibilitiesfor sound design are limited only by your imagination!

Expressive performance controlAllof the supplied presets offer expressive timbral variation through theuse of modulation by keyboard velocity and two performance controllers(which you can map to aftertouch, mod-wheel, breath and other MIDICCs). Our team of sound designers have strived to create dynamicpresets full of energy and movement. If you’ve grown accustomed toflat, boring VA synth sounds, prepare to be inspired by thepossibilities that DCAM: Synth Squad presents.

The DCAM synths introduce a new type of glide alongside traditionalpitch glide. Velocity glide smooths transitions to new notes’ velocitymodulation depths, creating rich expressive possibilities. Glide timescan also be modulated – if you modulate them with voice/unison-voicecounts, different glide times are possible for each voice. Independentsettings for legato glides and envelope retriggering complete a set offeatures that allow incredibly flexible and varied playing responses.

DCAM: Synth Squad also includes a standardized MIDI learn system, andfull support for host automation. There is even an integrated programchange list, so you can assign presets to MIDI program changes for liveperformance!

MIDI-controlled audio effectsAs well as being supplied as instrument plugins, Strobe, Cypher andAmber are also supplied as MIDI-controlled audio effect plugins,meaning that you can process external audio through them! You can useunison stacking and modulation functions with the audio and use normaloscillator shapes alongside to create complex textural hybrids. InCypher, you can even use the external audio as an audio-rate modulationsource for the oscillators. The amp sections must be gated by keyboardinput, meaning you can play the effect plugins rhythmically and engagetheir envelopes and other modulators.